Lilian

Airy, fairy Lilian,

            Flitting, fairy Lilian,

When I ask her if she love me,

Claps her tiny hands above me,

            Laughing all she can;

She’ll not tell me if she love me,

            Cruel little Lilian.

            When my passion seeks

            Pleasance in love-sighs,

She, looking thro’ and thro’ me

Thoroughly to undo me,

            Smiling, never speaks:

So innocent-arch, so cunning-simple,

From beneath her gather'd wimple

      Glancing with black-beaded eyes,

Till the lightning laughters dimple

            The baby-roses in her cheeks;

            Then away she flies.

      Prythee weep, May Lilian!

            Gaiety without eclipse

      Wearieth me, May Lilian:

Thro’ my very heart it thrilleth

      When from crimson-threaded lips

Silver-treble laughter trilleth:

      Prythee weep, May Lilian.

            Praying all I can,

If prayers will not hush thee,

            Airy Lilian,

Like a rose-leaf I will crush thee,

            Fairy Lilian.